Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe with Few Ingredients

Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Dish 🍝🧀✨

1. Introduction

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests? This Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover! With just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s rich, creamy, and packed with authentic Italian flavors. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for an impressive dish or an experienced chef wanting a reliable comfort food recipe, this stuffed shells recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

If you enjoy cheesy pasta dishes, you might also love our Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach or this Five Cheese Ziti al Forno recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Minimal ingredients – Uses just 9 simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
• ✅ Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• ✅ Crowd-pleaser – The creamy ricotta filling and melted cheese topping make this dish irresistible to both kids and adults.
• ✅ Versatile – Easily customize with your favorite herbs, extra cheese, or protein additions to make it your own.
• ✅ Meal prep friendly – Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making it great for entertaining.

For more easy dinner ideas, check out our complete collection of dinner recipes.

2. Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple ricotta stuffed shells recipe (full measurements in recipe card below):

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells – The perfect vessel for our creamy filling (about 30-35 shells)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese – Look for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Divided for both the filling and topping
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a wonderful salty, nutty flavor
• 1 egg (optional) – Helps bind the filling together (can be omitted if needed)
• 2 cups marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder – For that essential Italian flavor
• 1 tsp dried basil – Or substitute with Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out all the flavors
• Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness

If you’re a cheese lover, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our cheese recipes collection.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil (the water should taste like the sea). Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain carefully in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel to dry slightly.

For more great pasta dishes, explore our pasta recipes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella (reserve the rest for topping), Parmesan, egg (if using), garlic powder, basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – remember the cheeses are salty so go easy on added salt.

For another easy cheesy dish, try our Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Now comes the fun part – stuffing the shells! There are two easy methods: 1) Use a small spoon to carefully fill each shell, or 2) Transfer the ricotta mixture to a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner snipped off and pipe into the shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, open side up. They can be touching but shouldn’t be crammed too tightly.

Looking for more easy recipes? Browse our easy recipe collection.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella cheese. For extra golden color, you can also add a sprinkle of additional Parmesan. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are just starting to brown. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking – this helps the filling set slightly for easier serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a beautiful presentation.

For more classic Italian recipes, check out this Classic Stuffed Shells recipe from our friends at The Kitchn.

4. Serving Suggestions

This quick stuffed shells with ricotta dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up any extra sauce
• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness
• A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir for a cozy Italian dinner experience
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal
• Antipasto platter with cured meats and olives for a more elaborate spread

For more meal ideas, visit our lunch recipes and snack recipes collections.

5. Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day!
• Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. You can freeze either before or after baking. For best results, freeze unbaked stuffed shells in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Reheat: For individual portions, microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes. For larger portions, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

6. Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this easy ricotta stuffed shells recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs:

• Vegetarian: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Meat Lovers: Mix in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or diced pancetta to the ricotta filling for a heartier dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells (Jovial and Barilla make good options).
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of provolone or fontina cheese under the mozzarella topping.
• Herb Variations: Try fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead of dried basil.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or use arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free ricotta and vegan cheese alternatives.

For more recipe inspiration, browse all our recipes.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This is one of those magical dishes that actually gets better when made ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap, replace the foil, and bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Q: Can I skip the egg in the ricotta filling?
A: Yes, you can definitely omit the egg if needed. The egg helps bind the filling together slightly, but the recipe works perfectly fine without it. If you’re skipping the egg, you might want to make sure your ricotta isn’t too watery – if it is, you can drain it in a fine mesh strainer for 30 minutes before using.

Q: What’s the best way to stuff the shells without making a mess?
A: There are two foolproof methods: 1) Use a small teaspoon to carefully fill each shell, holding it in your hand, or 2) Transfer the ricotta mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off and pipe it into the shells. The piping method is especially quick and clean!

Q: Can I freeze ricotta stuffed shells?
A: Yes, stuffed shells freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking. For best results, freeze the unbaked assembled dish tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
A: If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese (blended smooth for better texture), mascarpone (mixed with a little milk to thin), or even a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

8. Why This Is the Best Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

This easy ricotta stuffed shells recipe stands out from others because it’s:

• ✅ Simple yet impressive – With just 9 basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine Italian restaurant.
• ✅ Perfectly balanced flavors – The combination of creamy ricotta, salty Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella creates a symphony of flavors that’s enhanced by the garlic and basil.
• ✅ Customizable – Easily adapt to different dietary preferences or what you have on hand without compromising on taste.
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly – Unlike many pasta dishes that need to be served immediately, this actually improves when made ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.
• ✅ Crowd-pleasing – From picky kids to discerning adults, everyone loves these creamy, cheesy stuffed shells.

9. Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious! This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to special occasion meals. The combination of tender pasta shells, rich ricotta filling, and tangy marinara sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, with all the variations and make-ahead options, it’s one of the most versatile recipes in your repertoire.

We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this comforting dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know what variations you tried. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, these stuffed shells are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨

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